Unravelling microbial efflux through mathematical modelling

Abstract

Mathematical modelling is a useful tool that is increasingly used in the life sciences to understand and predict the behaviour of biological systems. This review looks at how this interdisciplinary approach has advanced our understanding of microbial efflux, the process by which microbes expel harmful substances. The discussion is largely in the context of antimicrobial resistance, but applications in synthetic biology are also touched upon. The goal of this paper is to spark further fruitful collaborations between modellers and experimentalists in the efflux community and beyond.

Special collection to commemorate 40 years of antimicrobial efflux

“…Wand and Sutton discuss the involvement of efflux pumps in increased tolerance to biocides, highlighting their impact on infection control measures as well as underscoring the role of efflux pumps in biocides and antibiotics crossresistance [13]. Jabbari explores the application of mathematical modelling in understanding microbial efflux [14], emphasizing the utility of non-traditional approaches to study the activity of efflux pumps. Similarly, Athar et al, in their review, highlight the value of computer-based in silico research in studying the structure and function of, as they describe, these beautifully complex machineries [15] Structural and functional aspects of MacAB-TolC ABC transporter are examined by Okada and Murakami [16].…”